Military handling scandal, Hawai'i told

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

The military will survive the abuse scandals at Abu Ghraib prison that have left soldiers "ashamed," said the commander of U.S. Army troops in the Pacific.

Alexander and Baldwin CEO Allen Doane, left, shook hands with Maj. Brian Maves, honored yesterday at a military appreciation luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

Campbell was a featured speaker yesterday at the 19th annual Military Recognition Luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. His audience was partisan, but the three-star general did not mince words, saying the scandal did not take away from the work the rest of the troops are doing.

"Are we going through tough times? The answer is, of course. But those that went before us did not bow to tough times, nor shall we," he said. "This is our test. Our credentials are our values."

In thanking the luncheon's sponsors — The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i, First Hawaiian Bank and Alexander & Baldwin — Campbell said the military was grateful for their steadfast support in Hawai'i.

Nearly 10,000 soldiers, Marines, Army reservists and National Guardsmen from Hawai'i are fighting the war on terrorism in the Middle East. They are the true heroes the nation longs for, Campbell said.

"They are willingly putting their boots on the ground and their lives on the line for your freedom," he said. "Please note your support is important and we will not take it for granted."

Campbell also thanked eight Hawai'i-based Army soldiers recovering from wounds received during their deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He also thanked the spouses of troops who remain overseas.

"There is no way we can thank these unsung heroes for what they do to support their loved ones," he said.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8012.